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Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

Nine Favorite Things

I love the long Thanksgiving weekend! For me, it’s so cozy and relaxing. I don’t usually put a ton of stress on myself to get through every last Black Friday sale (so that eliminates some stress right there). And once Thanksgiving has passed, it’s my green light to deck the halls and embrace the Christmas season!!

I AM SO EXCITED!!

I spent Thanksgiving night scrolling through all the messages on Instagram. It’s always so amazing to see just how many recipes everyone is making. It’s the coolest. I feel so grateful you allow me into your family in such a special way. I am so thankful for you all this holiday season!!

If you ended up making any HBH recipes, please, tell me – what did you make? What was your favorite dish of the night?

And now that we’re on to Christmas! Holiday dinners and cookie boxes will be coming soon! I spent all day Friday working on a new cookie that I love. I can’t wait to share them! And we have a very big holiday gift guide coming this week. We’ve been working for weeks on this guide. I’m so excited to have it ready for you all! Taylor, from our team, did the design work on it and it’s so cute!

Let’s see, what else, in addition to scrolling through everyone’s IG tags, I finally started watching Christmas movies!! It’s tradition, so I started with Miracle on 34th Street, then moved on to the Lindsey Lohan movie, Falling for Christmas. It’s cheesy and super cute. I’m so ready to watch every last Hallmark and Netflix holiday movie. I love them all.

Aside from that, not much is happening around here. But my family is off to Europe, and by now, they should have arrived. Just mom, dad, Creighton, Asher, and Oslo on this trip. A small crew, but I know they will all have so much fun! They’re off to the Christmas markets in Europe! Paris first, then over to Prague, Vienna, and Munich! I’m jealous, but also happy to have the opportunity to travel for work somewhere Christmassy myself. Such a busy season!

I think that’s all from me today. Have a wonderful Sunday. Hopefully, you’re all decking the halls for the holidays!

1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try.

loving…this quilted duvet robe. How cozy and amazing does this look? Might order one for my mom for Christmas. Also, these UGG booties.

wanting…to order this heater. I love a personal heater. It’s on sale, so going to give it a try!

everything in my cart (low)…this denim maxi skirt from Free People is really cute. I would pair it with this double faced jacket from Zara. I think I might try these Helsa pajamas, love the oversized fit.

H&M is now carrying affordable cashmere – I love that! This cashmere sweater looks so nice and I need to order these cashmere blend gloves.

also on my Alo list…Alo bootcut leggings. I’m certainly into the bootcut legging right now.

 

loving…Tatcha hand cream. This is the only product currently helping my hands. It’s so thick and creamy.

wanting…this MacKenzie-Childs special delivery puzzle. It’s the cutest Christmas puzzle. I love this. Plus, this vintage bookshelf edition monopoly game. So cute.

wearing…oversized beanies. I love this off-white beanie from Totéme, but these affordable fleece beanies from Zara are equally cute.

reading…from my mom, My Kind of Christmas. Do any of you read Christmas stories? My mom reads them every season. She loves them, and I love hearing about them from her. This is a cute one.

everything beauty…the forever eye mask is on sale for cyber week. Time to try it out.

shopping…my favorite Breville espresso machine, Staub cast iron, and KitchenAid stand mixers are all on sale this week!

supporting…Alliance for Children’s Rights. They advocate for abused, neglected, and vulnerable children and teens in the foster care system. If you’re interested, you can learn more and donate here.

listening to…the HBH Holiday playlist. McKenzie, from our team, created this fun playlist full of our favorite Christmas music. I’ve been listening to it non-stop.

ordered…the CUTEST wrapping paper. I LOVE the Gingerbread house, gingerbread snowmen, Christmas trees, stockings, Christmas cars, happy Christmas decorating tree, nutcracker, winter dear, Christmas Santa clause, and snow person. Such a cute site! You can use code HARVEST at checkout for 20% off too!!

ordering…holiday ribbon. I order from AnastasiaMarie last year and loved every ribbon.

 


eating at…Jupiter for pasta and wine the next time I’m in New York. Excited!

everything in my cart (high)…ordering this recycled cashmere hoodie from Pangaia, my mom is obsessed with this faux fur jacket from Alo. Or I love this Khaite quilted down coat. It’s on sale too!

This midi dress from Tom Ford is a cute holiday look. So is this Khaite sequin maxi dress. It’s so pretty. I love this dress.

This padded velvet bag from Bottega Veneta is adorable. Asher would certainly love it. Speaking of Asher, I’m thinking of splurging on this heart necklace from St. Laurent. It is so pretty. And for my mom, this pretty necklace collar from Jenny Bird.

And last, these Maxie Boots from Chloè look so cozy. I want them!

 

drinking…Asher’s 5 Minute Vanilla Bean Hot Cocoa. All season long.

listening to…John Stamos on Armchair expert. I don’t know how I missed this, but I’m listening now. Like many of us, I grew up watching Full House and then ER. Do you remember ER?

gifting…little books of fashion. These are so fun and would be great to style on a coffee table. Asher would love them!

2. The most popular recipes of November.

Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice | halfbakedharvest.com

Most popular: Crockpot Herb Butter Chicken and Wild Rice

Thanksgiving Cider Punch | halfbakedharvest.com

Runner-up: Thanksgiving Cider Punch

Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts | halfbakedharvest.com

Also have to mention: Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Crinkly Salted Caramel Snickerdoodle Pie | halfbakedharvest.com

Popular dessert: Crinkly Salted Caramel Snickerdoodle Pie

Kale Bacon Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts | halfbakedharvest.com

Favorite Salad: Kale Bacon Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

Also, I just have to note that the Herb and Butter Roasted Turkey with White Wine Pan Gravy (#4) and Our 2022 Thanksgiving Menu and Guide (#3) were both in the top 5 this month! As was the Creamy White Chicken Chili (#2)

3. Cyber week sales – beauty + home.

violet grey – put it in the bag event 

the beauty sales

 

 

stocking stuffers – mixed high + low 

 

4. Favorite questions of the week.

q: why don’t you wear makeup at home?
a: Well for one, because I’m home and I don’t need to be wearing makeup all day while I work. I try to protect my skin and keep it mostly makeup free unless I’m traveling and doing work things.

I also can’t do makeup for the life of me, I love it, but can’t properly put it on myself. My mom has never worn any makeup her entire life. So I didn’t have her or any sisters to teach me. I swear, I just can’t do it myself. So I’ll usually have my makeup done for tv appearances and events when traveling.

q: top New York restaurant recommendations?
a: I still have so many I need to go to. So so so many. But I will say that The Polo Bar was a whole new experience and the food was really good. Be sure to order the espresso martini. And we didn’t get it, but the burger looked insanely delicious.

q: do you pick your favorite things based on partnerships with those brands? 
a: No never. I don’t work with many brands. The brands I do end up working with must already be a favorite. I’m incredibly selective. I’ll only share what I really love. Products that really are my favorite.

q: do you use retinol? Any recommendations?
a: I started using SkinCeuticals retinol. So far I love it and my skin has reacted well (but everyone has different skin). I’ll share more after I’ve used it longer though. It’s only been a little over a week.

q: one has to go, coffee, cheese, cake?
a: Cake 😬

q: favorite thing you have eaten, but not cooked yourself recently?
a: The ravioli Cacio e Pepe from Palma NYC.

q: what prompts you to remove a recipe from your site?
a: I don’t think I’ve ever taken a recipe down. I’ve definitely had to go back and edit and adjust recipes if something wasn’t working for people.

q: where do you cook when you are staying at a hotel? Or do you prerecord?
a: I prerecord so I make sure I still have new recipes to share with you guys every day (:

q: how long do you put your legs up the wall at night?
a: At least 20 minutes, but I always have my legs up while I post my IG stories. So I just let them fall down naturally. I have them up now (;

5. Less than 24 hours in Austin.

Nine Favorite Things | halfbakedharvest.com

I flew to Austin this week! The quickest, less than a 24-hour trip, but still fun! And kept me busy.

I flew in on Sunday night. I was so hoping for warm, sunny Texas weather, but was instead greeted with what reminded me of midwest winter weather. Cold, dreary, rain. I didn’t love it, but it was cozy. I stayed at the Austin Proper which is the perfect location if you’re doing things in the city, but also busy. It pretty much has everything, and every time I’ve been, it’s always so nice. The design of the hotel alone is reason enough to stay there. Cozy, but in a very elevated way. Every corner you turn is cute. Plus, there’s the food. The hotel has 3 options, The Peacock, which serves Mediterranean cuisine. Then there’s the La-Piscina for authentic Mexican, and last, Goldie’s, the hotel’s bar (which is the cutest space, perfect for drinks).

Since it was late by the time I got settled in, I just ordered room service from The Peacock. Highly recommend getting their Chicken Tajine with a side of Herb & Garlic Marinated Vegetables, and the Crispy Shallot Hummus. Delicious!

I was in town for a podcast. I finally recorded with Lauryn and Michael of The Skinny Confidential (congrats to those who guessed it last week) Excited for this one!

My flight out left around 6 PM, so I squeezed in a quick coffee at the hotel with a good friend (Kristen Kilpatrick, who shot the photos of myself in all 3 HBH books). She drove me to the airport and then off I went!

Such a quick stay, but fun! Also, if you have time, be sure to go to Goldie’s at the Proper. Their drink menu is sooo good. You’ll love it!

6. Inspiring me – Christmas everything.

The Biggest Holiday Decor Trends for 2022… let’s deck the halls.

How to Make Charcuterie Actually Look Cute on a Cheese Board…tips!

Inside Hilary Swank’s Private Colorado World…such a cool house near Telluride.

15 Cozy-Season Essentials…everything cozy please!

18 Cozy Winter Books To Curl Up With This Season…what are you reading?

How To Battle Inflation When It’s Straight Up Ruining Your Life…helpful ideas.

These Black Friday Sales Are Amazing…absolutely everything worth buying.

Some Experts Say Birth Order Can Explain Your Personality…is it true?

Best Redness-Reducing Products…I certainly need to test these.

The Best Hotels in Las Vegas…if you’re planning a NYE trip.

24 Best Subscription Boxes to Give and Receive…from coffee to flowers, to wine.

Shop Beauty’s Best Advent Calendars…so fun. I love this idea!

The Definitive Guide to the Best Yoga Pants on the Market…trying some of these.

Vogue’s Ultimate Edit of the Nordstrom Black Friday Sale…so many good sales!

The Holiday Decor Inspiration You’ll Want To Copy Immediately…certainly fun!

8. Cyber week sales – fashion/accessories.

everything from Shopbop

 

the Abercrombie sale 

 

Reformation sale 

 

Revolve sale 

 

Nordstrom holiday sale 

 

“ugly” Christmas sweaters

 

 

9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats.

Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala | halfbakedharvest.com

Monday: Crockpot Creamy Coconut Chicken Tikka Masala

Winter Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts | halfbakedharvest.com #wontersalad #healthy

Tuesday: Winter Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts

Creamy Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon | halfbakedharvest.com

Wednesday: Gnocchi Soup with Rosemary Bacon

Creamy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala | halfbakedharvest.com

Thursday: Balsamic Mushroom Chicken Marsala

Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka | halfbakedharvest.com

Friday: Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour | halfbakedharvest.com

Saturday: Vanilla Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

Easy Vanilla Bean Christmas Lights Cookies | halfbakedharvest.com

Sunday: Easy Vanilla Bean Christmas Lights Cookies

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Comments

  1. I was so glad when I read the article about putting your legs up a wall.
    That has helped me out so much with my feet. They were so bad with being too hot & swollen, I couldn’t sleep at night.
    Thank you for helping me.
    Love your posts & pictures. You eat with your eyes first.👀👀👀

    1. Hi Colleen,
      Thanks so much for reading! I love to hear that the legs up the wall has helped you, it really is a game changer:) Hope you’re off to a great week! xx

  2. Hi!!
    I love your outfit that you took a picture of in your post. Your wearing a cream sweater and jeans. Are
    these new? Store info please. We were in Austin also for Thanksgiving,it was wet and cold.

    1. I too loved that outfit.
      She is a model in her own right.
      I’m so glad we’re going back to bell bottom jeans. Those were the days, I thought they’d never end.

    1. Hey Sandy,
      Amazing!! Thanks so much for making that recipe, my family always has to have a good mashed potato dish at the holidays! Happy Monday! xx

    1. Thanks so much Jen!! Unfortunately, both are old, the sweater is from Alo, I’m sure they have something similar! Happy Monday! xx

  3. Just wanted to share that I made almost your entire Thanksgiving menu this year!

    The Turkey with the gravy was probably the BEST that any of us have ever had! Also, made the Brussels, the Parker house rolls, brown butter pumpkin bars and the Thanksgiving punch! Had to make our family stuffing and sweet potato recipes as those are traditions that we could never change up! Everything was so delicious and enjoyed by everyone. We all keep saying this by far was the best Thanksgiving dinner EVER!

    Thanks for sharing all of your ideas and recipes! Your hard work is so appreciated and I look forward to your posts every single day!

    Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    1. Ooops, I new I was forgetting one…..the Caramelized onion mashed potatoes, were incredible! They are a game changer!!

    2. Hey Shannon,
      Awe, thank you so much:) I am so glad your family enjoyed the turkey and gravy! Wow, you made quite a few recipes, thank you for you support, I am so glad everything was enjoyed!! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! xT

  4. I made the Salted Honey Butter Parker House rolls for our Thanksgiving dinner….sooooooo good and soooooo easy! Thanks for the awesome receipe and video! I made the dough in the am, rolled the rolls, put it in the fridge till 30 mins before I was going to put them in the oven. They went straight from oven to dinner table…It was perfect for our dinner! My daughter loved the honey butter spread on them!

    1. Hey Maggie,
      Thanks for reading and making the Parker rolls! Those are a family fave for sure:) Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! xx

  5. I LOVED your thanksgiving guide and menu – such phenomenal ideas 🙂 I made the turkey with the butter cheese cloth and the white whine gravy, both were incredibly delicious – probably the best turkey I have have ever cooked. I’m looking forward to seeing the Christmas gift guides!

    1. Hey Leslie,
      Thanks so much for your kind message and trying both the turkey and gravy, I am so glad they were a hit at your Thanksgiving! Hope you’re off to a great Sunday! xT

  6. Hi Tieghan – Thank you for sharing your Thanksgiving menu. We made your Crockpot Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onions. They were a big hit with everyone! Will now become part of our traditions and it was a bonus to free up a bit on the stovetop by using crockpot. Enjoy your Sunday.

    1. Hey Susan,
      Of course, happy to share the Thanksgiving menu:) So glad you enjoyed the mashed potatoes, those are definitely a go to recipe for the holidays! Happy Sunday! xx

  7. Yesterday (two days after Thanksgiving) I threw a family birthday party for my daughter and her boyfriend… both turning 21! I was googling a salad that incorporated avocado, pomegranate seeds, and nuts, and was thrilled when I found yours (Pomegranate avocado salad with candied walnuts) because I knew it would be amazing like all your recipes are. Everyone LOVED it, and I have leftover dressing for the week ahead. So win, win. Thanks for another great idea.

    1. Hey Kerry,
      Thanks for reading today and trying the pomegranate salad, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! And happy birthday to your daughter and her boyfriends!! xT

  8. For thanksgiving this year we used 3 of your recipes! We did the butter cloth turkey, the roasted carrots with pomegranate seeds from your latest cook book, and the secret Chex mix to snack on before dinner! All were a huge hit, but I have to say- everyone kept commenting that they loved the carrots! The Chex mix is already gone so I am going to make another batch today to have for this week!!

    1. Hey Emily,
      Thanks so much for reading today! So glad to hear your family enjoyed the turkey recipe, it’s my fave:) Also, the Chex mix is always a must during the holidays! Enjoy your week!! xx

  9. Made your balsamic Brussels sprouts and crinkle snickerdoodle pie for thanksgiving – so delicious!!! I look forward to your weekly Sunday morning email all week!

    Sometimes when I hit the skip to recipe button it doesn’t work- maybe it’s my phone. Does anyone else have that problem?

    Love and appreciate your ideas, suggestions, recipes and overall attitude in life!

    Missy Brown

    1. Hi Missy,
      Thanks so much for reading and sharing the dishes you made for Thanksgiving, I love to hear that they were enjoyed:) Sorry about the skip to recipe button, I think it can be finicky on phones sometimes and you may need to click it more than once. Hope you’re off to a great Sunday! xT

  10. Hi Tieghan! I was so excited to make your Thanksgiving turkey!I had one problem though – in the craziness of the kitchen I forgot to decrease the oven temp after 45 minutes!! The smoke alarm told me the cheesecloth was starting to burn! I rescued the turkey just in time, a bit dry but great flavor. Will try again next year for sure. I love reading Nine Favorite Things every Sunday!

    1. Hi MaryAnn,
      Thanks so much for trying the turkey recipe, so glad you were able to rescue the bird after the temperature mishap!! Thanks for reading each Sunday:) xTieghan

  11. The mushroom and wild rice soup recipe was incredible!! We are vegetarian so we altered it slightly. Such amazing flavors!! And your sliced potato recipe for thanksgiving was unreal!! Thank you for all of your ideas and love your weekly favorites!! Thank you for you true honest opinion!

    1. Hey Stephanie,
      Thanks for reading today! So great that you were able to adjust the soup to your liking, thanks for making it:) The sliced potatoes are a family fave! Happy Sunday! xT

  12. Love the Nine Favourites always SO much! My Sunday highlight 🙂 Can you tell me where your brown hoody is from you were wearing in Austin ? Love it!

    1. Hey Silja,
      Thanks so much for reading and your kind message! Sorry, I no longer have a link to that hoodie, it’s old from Alo. Please let me know if you have any other questions! xx